Garland "Nick" Jones

Garland “Nick” Jones lost the last of his nine lives on September 2, 2023, he was 72. Born in Richmond VA Nick spent his life perfecting the art of pranking, mischief, and comedy with his brother Phil “Bubba” Jones as his main accomplice. Many friends and family are still traumatized from being on the other end of their jokes. Their favorite targets were their younger siblings Lecia, Holly, Kim, Toby, Mary, Monica, Barnaby, Forrest, and Brad. When he wasn’t busy making everyone laugh Nick was entertaining and being the life of the party. He was so much the life of the party that in 1976 he helped to have the laws changed in Chesterfield, VA so that dancing could continue in his establishment (Gandalf’s Staff Restaurant) until closing hours. This was just a small part of his public service; he was also in the Navy and honorably discharged in 1970. Nick was great at just about everything from dancing to singing, art to entertaining, but he was most passionate about fixing and building. He learned his construction knowledge at the side of his dad Phil (deceased) and owned several successful businesses in both VA and Texas. He never retired and was still arranging jobs up until the day of his death.

In 1988, Nick tricked Gail to marry him with his good looks, charisma, and humor and they spent almost 35 years making great memories. She was his soulmate, best friend, dancing partner and in the end caregiver. She listened to his stories more times than anyone should and will forever be his “good woman”. Gail brought with her into the marriage her daughter Alison whom Nick spoiled from the instant he met her. His stellar parenting destined Alison to only accept men in her life who were hilarious, smart, and adoring. Luckily, she found such a man in Daniel Large who became Nick’s personal chef and bonus son. It was through them that Nick gained his favorite job as “Grandpa” to Cadence (11) and Carter (8). He taught Cadence to drive at the ripe age of 9 and was known to spoil her with adventure days that were filled with rides, treats, and games. He was a best friend to Carter whom he tried regularly (usually failing) to beat at Smash Bros or Mario Kart. Together they laughed, pranked, wrestled, and enjoyed Pac-Man at least once a week.

Nick never knew a stranger; he loved to meet and talk with people wherever he went and dazzled everyone with his larger-than-life personality. He took pleasure in helping those around him whether it be donating time or materials for a project or helping someone in need of work. We will all gather to celebrate and say good-bye knowing there will never be another expressive, comedic storyteller like Nick. As he rides off into the sunset, he leaves us with memories of extraordinary tales and kindness veiled in curse words that will keep us all laughing for the rest of our days. Tell someone a joke today on his behalf, even if it’s bad (we can’t all live up to him) it will spread the humor the world will surely be missing now.

A visitation where he will be displayed for public adoration befitting his greatness will be held at Shannon Funeral Home Rufe Snow on Thursday September 7th from 6-9pm with a funeral service to follow on Friday September 8th at 2pm. He will be buried at the DFW military cemetery on a later date in a private ceremony. Nick wanted to help others as much as he wanted to entertain, in lieu of flowers if you could please donate to one of the causes dear to his heart.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation

https://give.umdf.org/give/153589/#!/donation/checkout